📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a corrupt political system where nothing can be accomplished without bribery. It refers to a situation where official business is conducted through graft and favoritism, and the rule of law is replaced by the power of money and personal connections.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom comes from the 'Zuo Tradition' (《左传》), specifically the tenth year of Duke Xiang of Lu (襄公十年, circa 563 BCE). The passage criticizes the state of governance in the Zheng kingdom, where political affairs were settled through bribery and punishments were meted out according to the ruler's personal favor rather than law. The phrase was part of a broader commentary on the decay of proper governance during the Spring and Autumn period of the Zhou Dynasty.
💡 Example Usage
政以贿成，百姓苦不堪言。
Government is accomplished through bribery, and the common people suffer unbearably.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 政以贿成
- Pinyin: zhèng yǐ huì chéng
- Literal Translation: government, by, bribery, accomplished
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4